Hundreds of thousands of gamers throughout the globe have pushed the value of the global esports business to an estimated $1.3 billion by 2022. Consequently, progress in esports might be financially beneficial for businesses who invest in innovation.
One tech startup is seizing an opportunity that might revolutionize the future of esports for players and fans. Canadian startup Formify collaborated with Hubs.com 3D printing experts to create a lightweight, ergonomic gaming mouse. The goal is to improve the player’s sense of ease and command of the game.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing technology has been around since the 1980s, but it has only recently become affordable and accessible to consumers. 3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file.
Material is layered to achieve the desired shape.
Jewelry, clothes, shoes, eyeglasses, and even food can be 3D printed. Imagination limits the possibilities. Some companies use 3D printing to create product prototypes; it could revolutionize manufacturing.
Methods and Cost
Costs to develop new 3D printing methods will vary depending on the specifics of each technique. A 3D print might cost you as little as $3 or as much as several thousand. With a 3D model, it’s possible to price a 3D print. The cost of 3D printing may vary depending on variables such as the material used, the intricacy of the model, and the amount of labor required. Sometimes the cost of using a 3D printing service is more than the cost of purchasing a basic 3D printer.
The firm saw a need for technology in the gaming and esports industries and set out to fill it. Virtual reality headsets and mice are one size. The team at Formify devised a solution to this problem by creating a software platform that could utilize a picture of a user’s palm to generate a customized mouse.
Customers may participate by uploading a picture of their hand to the website. The company may then analyze the user’s form, bone, and joint structure to develop a product that meets their needs with the least amount of effort and the greatest amount of efficiency.
Multiple sectors and categories of goods are mulling over the potential benefits of 3D printing and personalization. You may see this in home blueprints, furniture, wax castings for jewelry production, tools, tripods, presents, novelties, and toys. E-sports showcase modern technological progress.
The next phase is making the mouse using 3D printing. The economics and aesthetics of producing large quantities of identical components better fit other manufacturing procedures often used for electronics, such as injection molding.
Due to its ability to realize complicated shapes, Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) was the 3D printing method of choice for Formify. Due to this, 15 MJF-printed beta goods were made and evaluated.
What are the Benefits of 3D Printing in Esports?
One of the benefits of 3D printing in esports is that it offers a quick and easy way to create custom pieces and parts. For example, if you’re a gamer who wants to create custom controllers or accessories, 3D printing can be a great option. This technology can create product prototypes and test ideas.
3D printing technology can create unique and customized esports merchandise.
For example, if you’re a fan of a particular team or player, you could have their likeness 3D printed on a shirt, mug, or other piece of merchandise. This could be a great way to show your support for your favorite esports stars.
Finally, 3D printing can create unique esports prize money. For example, you could 3D print medals or Trophies for the winners instead of giving out cash prizes. This would add an extra level of excitement and prestige to the event.
3D printing is a fascinating technology with a lot of potential applications in esports. We’re excited to see how it will be used in the future to enhance the gaming experience.
How Will 3D Printing Change the Landscape of Esports?
A 3D printing machine can make custom game controllers. This implies gamers can construct controllers for their own playstyle. No more generic controls!
Additionally, 3D printing can be used to create custom gaming hardware. This includes everything from gaming headsets to keyboards and mice. With 3D printing, gamers will be able to get their hands on the latest and greatest gaming hardware, without having to wait for traditional manufacturing methods.
Finally, 3D printing can be used to create custom gaming attire. Imagine being able to show your support for your favourite team or player by wearing a shirt with their face on it! Or, how about a pair of customised sneakers with your gaming handle on them? With 3D printing, the possibilities are endless.
What Are the Challenges of 3D Printing in Esports?
One of the biggest challenges is the high cost of 3D printers and the materials needed to use them. While the price of 3D printers has fallen significantly in recent years, they are still far too expensive for most gaming enthusiasts. In addition, the cost of 3D-printed gaming peripherals and in-game items is also likely to be prohibitive for many players.
Another challenge is the need for more standardisation in the 3D printing industry. This means that there is no guarantee that a 3D-printed gaming peripheral from one company will be compatible with another company’s 3D printer. This could lead to a fragmented market, with players only being able to use 3D-printed gaming equipment from a limited number of manufacturers.
Finally, there is the question of security. 3D printers can fake gaming peripherals and in-game items. This could rob players of their virtual goods.
Despite these challenges, 3D printing & gaming is still a technology with huge potential for the world of esports. If the cost of 3D printers and materials can be reduced, and if there is greater standardisation in the industry, then 3D printing could become a staple of the esports scene.
How Will 3D Printing Change the Future?
There are many ways that 3d printing can change the future of esports. For example, it can help us create more realistic and lifelike gaming experiences. It can also help us create more complex and detailed gaming environments.
But one of the most exciting ways that 3d printing can change the future of esports is by helping us create customisable gaming equipment.
With 3d printing, we can create gaming equipment that is tailor-made for each individual player. This means that each player can have their own unique gaming setup that is optimised for their own playing style.
This would be a huge advantage for professional gamers who are looking to gain an edge over their opponents. It would also be a great way for amateur gamers to get their own customizable gaming equipment without having to spend a fortune.
So, how will 3d printing change the future of esports? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure; it is sure to have a big impact on the way we play our favorite games.
Final Words:
The time is now to embrace 3D printing. These printers have been available for a relatively short amount of time. Still, they’ve already proven that they can be used in numerous industries to revolutionize how objects are created, marketed/sold, and even distributed to the end user. From esports to eCommerce, 3D printing is here and here to stay.